ICD-10 Code L03 – Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L03 – Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis
What it is
L03 identifies bacterial inflammation of the skin and nearby lymphatic vessels. Use it for cellulitis or acute lymphangitis when the record does not specify a more detailed site or organism.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Lymphangitis may also show linear streaking toward regional nodes; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use L03 when the provider documents cellulitis or acute lymphangitis and no more specific ICD-10 code is available. It may fit nonspecific skin infection of an extremity, trunk, or other site. Check documentation if the note names a more exact anatomic location or organism.
Do not use for
Do not use L03 for abscess, furuncle, carbuncle, or noninfectious dermatitis. If the record describes a different skin infection or a more specific diagnosis, code that instead.
Coding tip
Look for the exact site and whether the note says cellulitis, lymphangitis, or both before assigning the code.